The 3×3 Tall Ferns and 3×3 Tall Blacks have landed in Singapore and are preparing for the main draw of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, which tips off tomorrow.
Alongside the 3×3 Tall Ferns squad are a pair of traveling reserves in Rosalia Samia and Anika Hyland, who won’t compete in the tournament itself but will actively train with the 3×3 national team throughout the event.
Anika is a young and aspiring baller from the Tauranga region, who played for the Whai last season in G.J. Gardner Tauihi Aotearoa league. After finding her groove in the 3×3 setting last year by leading her Tauranga Girls College team to the 3×3 Nationals title, she says the chance to travel and train with the 3×3 Tall Ferns is a fantastic opportunity for her as she looks to build her experience in this discipline.
“This opportunity is an honour; a big part of this blessing comes from the tremendous amount of time and support that’s been poured into my life over the last three years by family, coaches and mentors,” says Anika.
“I’m deeply grateful for the support that the coaches, my teammates and BBNZ have opened up for me, to continue to grow and learn more about the game I love.”
Anika says that her interest in 3×3 basketball has grown over the past few years, mainly through participation in regional events and BBNZ-led tournaments. Her goal is to work hard and progress through the game up to the highest level.
“My interest in 3×3 took off in 2021, after playing in my first high school national tournament and also being part of invitational pro quests. For me, 3×3 is in a league of its own with the art of play being instinctual, where team chemistry can flourish.
“My pursuit for 3×3 right now is just being the best teammate I can be, to help the team in any way possible on and off the court – and that starts at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore. The long vision is to play this game the best way possible at a high level; and with that comes the hard work which is what I look forward to the most.”
BBNZ 3X3 High Performance Manager, Nikolay Mikhalchuk says he is happy to see Anika’s hard work paying off.
“Our job is to provide opportunities for our youth, and we’re always on the lookout for potential – so I’m happy that players like Anika have emerged,” says Mikhalchuk.
“It’s a fantastic sign of growth for women’s 3×3 in New Zealand. The FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup for us is not a standalone event, with players like Sharne, Rosalia and Anika all progressing to the U23 3×3 Nations League. Our foundation in that high level-3×3 space is solid and we are starting to build 3×3 specialists to compete on the world stage.”
The FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup tips off tomorrow in Singapore, with your 3×3 Tall Ferns and 3×3 Tall Blacks both in action at this pinnacle event. Catch all the action live, either on YouTube (www.youtube.com/fiba3x3) or via Sky Sport 3 (Channel 53).
